Overview

The northernmost part of Rochester, Charlotte formerly was part of the town of Greece before it was annexed by the city in 1916. The centerpiece is Ontario Beach Park, which was known as “The Coney Island of the West” for its amusement park and festive atmosphere in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

The park area was extensively renovated with the arrival of the fast ferry in the mid-2000s. Ferry service ended and the ship was sold after two years, but the terminal building, alongside the Genesee River, remains and hosts events such as the wintertime Lakeside Winter Celebration.

Sun worshippers and volleyball players pack the beach and cool off in Lake Ontario during summer months. Crowds also line up for Abbott’s Frozen Custard on Lake Avenue, a summer tradition, and stroll the pier.

Charlotte and the Genesee River are featured attractions of the Rochester River Romance in the fall. Other popular spots include Turning Point Park, at the southern end of Charlotte; the Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse; and historic River Street.

Construction of a long-discussed marina and adjacent businesses and homes, in part of the area now used for parking at Ontario Beach Park, is expected to begin in 2013.

Local Museums & LandmarksThe Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse, on the banks of the Genesee River, offers tours. The Charlotte Cemetery, on River Street, is the final resting spot for many of the area’s pioneers. A “secret sidewalk” provides an elegant stroll with a gorgeous view for pedestrians on a path between beautiful homes on Beach Avenue and Charlotte Beach.

Who Lives Here

This area is popular with families and outdoor types, such as those who own boats and play beach volleyball. Professionals reside in many of the homes on Beach Avenue.

Essentials

Charlotte hosts a variety of restaurants, such as Mr. Dominic’s on Lake Avenue, which was recently renovated and serves Italian cuisine, as well as family restaurants and burger joints. There are no major grocery chains, but Herrema’s is a family-run supermarket just over the O’Rourke Bridge in Irondequoit. There are three Wegmans supermarkets within about six miles, two in Greece and one in west Irondequoit. Charlotte has a post office and library, both on Lake Avenue.

Recreation & Entertainment

Ontario Beach Park hosts a series of free concerts on Wednesday nights in the summer, as well as free outdoor movies. Nola’s, a nightclub on Lake Avenue, holds outdoor shows in the summer. The Pelican’s Nest, just south of Ontario Beach Park and along the Genesee River, also draws crowds in the warm-weather months.

Transportation & Traffic

Lake Avenue is the main north-south artery in the area. The Lake Ontario State Parkway provides access to the west, as well as access to Route 390. The O’Rourke Bridge crosses the river and connects Charlotte to the town of Irondequoit. Beach Avenue traverses the area beside Lake Ontario.

Pros & Cons

Charlotte has a beach-community feel. Beach Avenue houses have spectacular views of Lake Ontario. The area is usually cooler than most during scorching summer days. On the flipside, Charlotte frequently gets hit with “lake-effect snow” in the winter because of its proximity to the lake. Traffic at the northernmost part of Lake Avenue can be heavy during summer events, but if you live in Charlotte, you can walk to the beach and park.